The cooking seems to have been almost the only thing in which the Balkan countries were united. In the whole area many dishes are identical and many others are variations on a theme adapted to local foods, preferences or religion. All Balkan peoples drink Turkish coffee, and all share a love of sweet things.

Turkish coffee

Balkan Countries

Countries on the Balkan Peninsula, a region in the southeaster Europe, are bounded by the Adriatic and the Ionian seas in the west, the Mediterranean and the Aegean seas in the south, and the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea in the east. The peninsula includes Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, and European Turkey.

Principal characteristics of the Balkan food and culture

The food culture of the Balkan Peninsula depended upon the historic, geographical, climatic, social, and religious elements. There are three main food culture areas: the Mediterranean, the Continental lowland, and the Continental Mountain areas.

The food culture of the Balkan Peninsula displays Asian as well as west European influences. Even though the Oriental influence has been very strong in the last several centuries, ethnic characteristics and traditions have been preserved.

Dishes consumed in these regions contain many similar elements, but may also greatly differ from each other. One of the most characteristics shared by most is the use of numerous spices, onions, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, paprika, and capers.

Very popular in Hungary and Portugal

People of the Balkans like meat dishes. However, in the past, meat did not play a central role in the food culture of the Balkans. In those parts where there is a large Muslim concentration – mainly Albania, parts of Macedonia and Turkey – pork is not eaten; in other areas where Catholicism prevails fish is the Friday and Lenten dish.

explores the origins of foods and traces their movements throughout the world. Learn where tomatoes were first eaten and what medicinal qualities the Egyptians thought certain spices had.
Albania is the least interested in dishes and this may be because so much of it energy has been devoted to war, mountain banditry, guerrilla warfare and family feuds.

Croatian cuisine can be divided into some few regions and every region has its own distinct cooking traditions, characteristic for the area and not necessarily well-known in other parts of Croatia. Its modern roots date back to ancient periods and the differences in the selection of foodstuffs and forms of cooking are most notable between those on the mainland and those in coastal regions. Mainland cuisine is more characterized by the earlier Slavic and the more recent contacts with the more famous gastronomic orders of today – Hungarian, Viennese, and Turkish – while the coastal region bears the influences of the Greek, Roman and Illyrian, as well as of the later Mediterranean cuisine – Italian and French. However, most dishes can be found all across the country. This is also why the varied cuisine of Croatia is called “cuisine of the regions”.

Some expressions from typical Croatian menus:

Specialities from the grill are called roštilja or ražnja

pečeno means roasted

prženo means fried

pod pekom means that the dish has been put into a stone oven under a metal cover. The cook puts hot coals on the cover so that the meal is cooked slowly.

relish in the history and rich detail of the foods we encounter every day. Satiate your appetite for knowledge about food with The Gourmet Atlas.

50 beautiful, full-color maps depict the history of major foodstuffs, tracing their movements across the world.

• Numerous and extensive A–Z listings detail the backgrounds and uses of major food groups, including herbs and spices, fruits and vegetables, types of grains, and much more;

• More than 300 lavish photographs and drawings tell the story of food throughout history;

• Authentic recipes featuring the highlighted ingredient bring you closer to the food’s native and regional flavors So whether encountering an unusual ingredient or a common, everyday food, with The Gourmet Atlas you’ll be able to answer the questions,

Sailing Croatia!

Like heaven on Earth with its rich architectural heritage, stone palaces and medieval monasteries, Dubrovnik has once again become a holiday destination as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dubrovnik! Restaurants, bars, and port. The old town is UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Hvar – Croatia

Zadar – Croatia

Holiday! Adriatic rocks! So does Croatia.

Take the chance and visit the island of Mljet, not far from Dubrovnik. A third of its territory is protected as a national park and is an extraordinary place to find peace and tranquility. Its beauty attracts hikers, divers, bike-tourists, and lovers of quietness and nature. Also, if you can go visit Lastovo island. Life is to short to miss out on the wide range of experience it has to offer. There are plenty of free activities awaiting and Croatia will certainly provide you with the funniest and live life to the full. It’s not always easy to keep track of what’s possible around the world and probably better to keep it simple because we can miss out on things and either run out of time if not well planned due to lack of time to research. Croatia has more than 1000 islands, plenty of ferries allow you a great holiday. In Hvar, I found great luxury sailing opportunities, amazing cozy restaurants, and terraces, nightlife up on the hill! Get ready to walk up and down but I assure great fun! In Split, there is the Festival Ultra-Europe in Summertime. I did enjoy and plan to spend holiday around Croatia and the neighbor countries are also on the list to re-visit. If you’re in Italy is easy to get to the port in Ancona coming from Rome. Italians usually are in good mood on their holiday and you’ll meet good people and laugh all the way. From Portugal is still not the easiest country to reach but is possible with Ryanair and it’s worth the way. As soon as possible I’ll update the blog with some alternatives. You’ll find introverted but beautiful and generous people in Croatia.

UNESCO Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites in Croatia:

1 Episcopal complex, Porec

2 The historic city of Trogir

3 The historic centre with Diocletian palace in Split

4 the old town of Dubrovnik.

There are several National Parks in Croatia such as Risnjak, Plitvice Lakes (scenic lakes linked by waterfalls), Paklenica, Kornati and Mljet already mentioned.

Festivals and Events Worldwide

One of its kinds in India, the Tulip Festival in Kashmir celebrates the blooming season of the magnificent Tulips. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden adds to the natural beauty of Srinagar. Nestled on the foothills of Zabarwan Range, the largest tulip garden in Asia presents a stunning view of the Dal Lake.The seven terraced garden was built with the intention to promote tourism and floriculture in Kashmir.

Tulip Festival is hosted in Kashmir Valley during the onset of Spring Season. It is usually in the months of March or April that the Garden brims with Tulips all around.

Bourbon festival Kentuky

“The people of Bardstown have been making Bourbon since 1776,” says Davis L. Huston III, Festival Chairperson and Senior Vice-President of Wilson & Muir Bank & Trust Company. “And today, sixty-nine percent of the world’s Bourbon is made in and around the Nelson County area, including the adjacent counties of Bullitt and Marion, that’s why Bardstown is indeed the Bourbon Capital of the World

Events & Festivals in Portugal

The “Queima das fitas” in Coimbra, Portugal it’s the University students annualy Event and always in May. It lasts longer than a week and the students parade it’s a must see and once life experience. Always in May.

Lisbon May – Pop in the city ladies!

The Pop in the city concept has developed a new one that is called “experiential” tourism being the perfect way to discover a European city with locals.Ladies have a look on the challenges. Each one involves locals split into categories such as culture, sports, extreme, charity, art and more.

http://www.popinthecity.com There ate great things going on and as soon as possible I’ll take some time to update the post.If you like to share one from your hometown or country feel free to comment below.

Have fun!

International Festival of Chocolate, Óbidos in Portugal

Festival Thailand

Songkran Water

Loy Krathong

November 3 On the full moon day of the twelfth month in the Thai lunar calendar, Thais set their Krathong (decorativa basket) afloat in rivers and lakes as a Mark of gratitude to the Goddess of Water and to ask for blessings.

In northern Thailand, Loy Krathong also coincides with Yi Peng Festival, when knom loy (lanterns) are releases into the sky.

tourismthailand.org

The most popular festivals in China

The Spring Festival in China is the most important for the Chinese citizens.

The Chinese New Year is celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunissolar Chinese calendar.

Chinese Dragon Boat Festival

Seoul, South Korea

Nov 3 – 19 Hundreds of lanterns decorate the beautiful waterway Cheonggyecheon Stream during the festival, signifying South Korea’s colorful history and culture. This year, the lanterna glory also has a special theme – ‘PyeongChang2018’ – in conjunction with the Winter Olympics taking place there.

Luxury for all budgets! Crete – Greece!

Perfect to visit all year round, particularly for outdoors’ lovers and wishing to find adventures in nature. More than 486 beaches and 9 marinas were awarded BlueFlags. You will beneath crystal clear waters and swim around the colourful fishes.

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature has announced that, out of a long list of 47 countries, Greece ranked number two on the Blue Flag quality awards last year. In total, the region of Halkidiki collected the majority of awards with 71 flags. In 2016, 430 beaches and 9 marinas around Greece were honoured with the quality Blue Flag award.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced “2017” as the Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. Furthermore, the Blue Flag programme has reached 30 years of successfully accrediting awards to beaches and marinas worldwide.

The well-known island of Crete invites you for its National Park

Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is at world’s biosphere reserve and a great tourist attraction. Take the chance to visit the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum and the Nautical Museum. Discover the amazing underwater life at the CretAquarium.There are more than 2500 species.

Cretaquarium

Cretaquarium

Each tank of CretAquarium bears labels with hosted species’ names printed in nine languages (Greek, English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Czech). For all those interested in getting to know more about the organisms hosted by CretAquarium, to learn more about its operation and the ecology of the marine environment, there are tour options. Check http://www.cretaquarium.gr/en/

Milos is another option for those who need a peaceful getaway. Relax, swim and go snorkeling. There are many cruises, choose the one that fits you. Next time in Greece we will go hiking so, please follow us if this is of your interest.

Nature and Blue Flag Global

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) is the oldest national environmental NGO in Greece, founded in 1951, and strives continuously for the protection of Greek nature since. It is active along four axes: environmental intervention; nature conservation; environmental education; sustainable management and general public awareness raising.

It has established the “Byron Antipas” prize, which is awarded to an individual or organisation that has decisively contributed to the protection of Greek nature; among its recipients is the renowned environmentalist Luc Hoffmann (2005), and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (2011).

It is a member of major international conservation organisations, such as the IUCN, and has been honoured for its work, it by the Academy of Athens, the Council of Europe and the Ford Foundation.

There are not many tour operators but planning yourself is quite easy. Yes, it’s time-consuming but I rather decide where to go, when and where to stay. Greece needs tourists. Go and visit! If by chance you like to book hotels, resorts, or a B&B do it now.

The Aegean Seas

Karpathos island in Greece

There are hundreds of crafts available and ferry services in the Aegean Sea connecting each island with its neighbours or with the Greek or Turkish mainland. Times and routes are subject to variation.

Golfing in Crete is a matter of Course

The Crete Golf Club at Hersonissos, Crete, is an 18-hole golf course of international standards designed by architect Bob Hunt and recently renovated to perfection.

Aegina, the island of light and artists

Offering clear bright light, significant archaeological monuments and wonderful nature, Aegina has always been a favourite place for Greek artists.

Ancient trails, cleared and signposted by the Aegina Active Citizens, enable trekkers to explore the island. The culture paths include a route that goes around Mt Ellenton; a trail from Stefentouri to Eleonas; a walking route in Ancient Eleonas that runs from Marathonas Beach to Pachia Rachi; and a trail from Pachia Rachi to the Panagia from Chrysoleontissas Monastery.

Nobody leaves Aegina without pistachios, a protected designation of origin (PDO) – status product rated as one of the world’s best in its category. Pottery has flourished on Aegina for approximately 3,000 years. Renowned ceramic artist Theodora Horafa and visual artist Katerina Giannaca live and work on the island.

Madeira and Porto Santo

Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a heaven of natural beauty. The exotic colours of the flowers stand out from among the blue sea and the emerald green vegetation; this is an archipelago where two-thirds are a protected area and where the largest Laurisilva forest in the world is located.

The Levadas of Madeira

One of the best-known “Levadas” starts at Ribeiro Frio. A “Levada” is an irrigation channel or aqueduct specific to the Portuguese island of Madeira. The “Levada das 25 Fontes” leads from Rabaçal to the foot of the cliff with several springs cascades into it but there are many walking trails along the maintenance path. Madeira and Porto Santo are also well known for water sports and paragliding.

Having been colonized on behalf of the Infante D. Henrique, it was harbour of departure for Christopher Columbus (Cristóvão Colombo) on his discovery of the “New World”. Its rare and natural beauty has volcanic origins. Its several mountains can reach heights up to 1.850 m. Also due to its climate, it is a place suitable for the growing of fruits and flowers, some of them being very famous because of its quality. In conclusion, Madeira and Porto Santo are fantastic places to relax, far away from the city stress. Don’t miss “Câmara de Lobos” where Cristiano Ronaldo grew up which is a small and very particular village with great “tascas” and enjoy the best “Poncha” cocktail in Madeira.

Cabo Girão – as good as in China

Portugal ranks as one of the best destination worldwide and Madeira Archipelago worths a week minimum. To get there I recommend TAP Airways and Easyjet. Transavia also does Madeira. To Porto Santo island go by ferry with Lobo Marinho or by plane from Funchal or directly from Lisbon and Porto. When to go? Every single day of the year seems to be a good time, however, there is no ferry in January. Where to stay? Funchal has more than 1000 hotels from Luxury like Reid’s and The Cliff Bay to hostels. I lived in both islands and as a tourist, I recommend them both.

Please, leave a comment if you need any further information contact me.

No history of Copenhagen can be considered complete without giving proper attention to the history of the Danish monarchy.The Royal Family has always represented one of the fundamental elements of the nation’s identity.

Visit Copenhagen!

1 Vagtparade – the changing of the guard – Amalienborg – Copenhagen

2 the “free city” of Christiania

3 the “Nationalmuseet” was founded in 1897 by the unification of several prestigious sources

4 the black diamond, a futuristic building by the architects Schmidt

5 the planetarium

6 rosenborg

7 city square, it forms the very heart of historic Copenhagen with the very impressive City Hall building and the City Hall tower with the bronze statue of traditional “Lur players”

8 the Gefion Fountain, not far from Nyboder, a monumental fountain created in 1908

9 the Karen Blixen Museum in Rungsted, North of Copenhagen

10 Nyhavn’s Signs, brightly colored, hand-worked, all very visible:they call attention to the many attractions that this lively quarter of Copenhagen has in store for visitors 11Christianborg, the castle, the Carriage Museum and the Museum of Theater History

12 the Royal Library

13 Tivoli gardens of Andersens Boulevard are a pleasant prelude to the world famous Tivoli Pleasure Park

14 the “Great Lakes” to the West of the city center, there contiguous and regularly shaped artificial bodies of water give the illusion of being a river as they extend over an area of almost there kilometers.

The Azores – A Marine Paradise

A compact archipelago of tiny islands where the sperm whale and dolphin watching are pointed as the highlights.

It could be Japan…

Azores

Marine sightseeings in the Azores

Lucky you if apart from whales and dolphins incidentally watch the superfast marlins, turtles, swordfish, sharks, and seabirds. The boat tours companies cannot guarantee but take the chance and go!

Top attraction, the typical dish “cozido das furnas” Boeing prepared.

Azores an Eco-tourism Secret Resort

Ecotourism, top gastronomy, whales and bird watching, trials & boat tours. Biking and hiking, water sports. An endless adventure. Welcome back to Portugal.

We bring good news. From December 2016 on, Ryanair has started flying to this destination with offers at the price of 19.99. This time Lages at Ilha Terceira and Lisbon (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) and to Porto (Tuesdays and Saturdays). We glad to count 1.000.000 Tourism visit last year. Fortunately and with so much to offer the Azores is finally competing with wonderful Madeira. For fans of sports, both islands have amazing international events all year round. Because we care about communities and don’t want to leave tourism behind we say “CHEERS AZORES”.

We remain to make efforts and hoping to see Ryanair, Easyjet or Transavia flying direct from Lisbon or Porto to ‘The Golden Island’. It’s already time to take the best of Portugal by offering this amazing ECO destination all year round.

The island archipelago of the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a natural unique on our planet. The incredible beauty of the volcanic islands Pico and Faial, colorful flowers and a breathtaking impressive wildlife form a real paradise. The worlds most famous whale watching area contains 27 species of dolphins and whales.

Gorreana is the only European tea plantation.

Gorreana, the only tea plantation in Europe – Azores and hotels available may be booked here.

National Geographic Holand and Belgium have voted the Azores the most beautiful destination in the world. Have a look at http://www.visitazores.com

Azores UNESCO World Heritage Site

Terceira IslandAngra do Heroismo, in the central area, Terceira Island is listed at the property which belongs to Unesco World Heritage. If you plan a visit, please see Ferry lines

Azores: Eco-tourism best destination

Flores Island

If we can be of help to comment below.

Portuguese dish “Cozido das Furnas” being prepared.

The top attraction, the typical dish “Cozido das Furnas” being prepared.

If you plan a visit to Stockholm either on business or holiday carry on reading. We will provide you with many contacts and top attractions. The best tip we can give is “get the city card”. Take advantage by visiting the Tourist Information at http://www.gallerian.se Be ready for adventure, Stockholm has a lot to offer. Rent your SEGWAY, let the locals guide you within private TOURS by foot and by bike. Book at http://www.stockolmourway.com Top: visit GAMLA STAN and do the Ghost Walk. Have a look at http://www.citywalkz.se Classic Boat tours can be booked online at http://www.stockolminfo.se or onboard, Nybrokajen! And at last but not the least for ” today in Stockholm ” a must: get many tastes of Sweden.

A big hello from the Swedish Institute

Let’s visit Stockholm, shall we?

Swedish Innovations: Skype and Spotify, Swedish Brain Power, Formation Flying in Space, From Oxygen to Dynamite, Metro – a Swedish Idea that changed the world